Autocar UK has published fresh details about the next generation BMW 5 Series that comes out in 2016. BMW have started testing road-going prototypes and the development has clearly moved beyond the computer simulation stage.
Redesigned completely for its 44th production year, a sleeker-looking 2017 BMW 5 Series, drawing inferences from the Gran Lusso Concept would come with a wider selection of gasoline, diesel and hybrid engines.
![Rear of the 2014 BMW 5 Series LCI](https://img.indianautosblog.com/resize/750x-/2013/09/Rear-of-the-2014-BMW-5-Series-LCI.jpg)
The model's aerodynamic properties are currently undergoing trials at the company's wind tunnel facility in Munich. As per unconfirmed reports, the saloon would have a Cd value of 0.25 (bettering today's 0.26) and the current Mercedes E Class (which would be succeeded by a new model in 2016).
As with today's 5 Series, the Bavarians are developing saloon, Touring and GT variants, with the latter sharing its long wheelbase platform with the China-only 5 Series L saloon.
![2014 BMW 5 Series side view](https://img.indianautosblog.com/resize/750x-/2013/05/2014-BMW-5-Series-side-view.jpg)
The 2017 BMW 5 Series is underpinned by the OKL platform (Oberklasse or 'luxury class') that would be passed on to successors of the current 6 and 7 Series. Variations of this platform (that allows various track widths and wheelbase lengths) would be seen under the skin of the forthcoming X5, X6 and the long-mooted X7 flagship SUV that would challenge the Range Rover and the Bentley SUV.
The vehicle's more rigid chassis would be made from aluminium, high-strength steel and composite carbon fiber to reduce weight under the 1,595 kg mark for the 520i (base variant). Another feature that is yet to receive a go-ahead, is the 48-volt electrical architecture deemed necessary to support new systems such as an advanced anti-collision system, fully autonomous braking, full LED headlights and an infra-red warning system.
![2014 BMW 5 Series gear shifter](https://img.indianautosblog.com/resize/750x-/2013/05/2014-BMW-5-Series-gear-shifter.jpg)
The powertrain department is working on a new 4.4-litre V8 unit on the back of this configuration's popularity in the US market. From the outset, the 5 Series would get four- and six-cylinder engines in the 2.0- and 3.0-liter capacities as the current 5 Series. A successor of the tri-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine is also planned, with a 400 bhp output. A six-speed Getrag-made manual transmission and the ZF-developed 9-speed automatic transmission would be matched to these engines.
BMW are also considering the use of the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (from the new Mini) on the 5-er but a firm decision on it has not been made. The smaller capacity engine would help BMW drop its overall emission to the under 95 g/km threshold the EU has proposed for 2020, but this move will come only after a very careful demand study. This engine may also be used in a plug-in hybrid configuration as seen on the i8 supercar.